>        I write this from Argentine, where things tend to go worst.
>        IMHO, a project from scratch, needs at least 2 months, from
>        analysis to = production, even in the simplest case.

I agree that going through the whole process of finally getting a
product into production is a slow process, but just getting working
prototypes is much faster.   I develop automatic test equipment which
is usually based around PIC or 8051 microcontrollers.   Usually my
clients need only one or two sets of such equipment, but they do
require PCB's to made for it, the system to be built into a box and
complete documentation to be provided.   I usually take about the
following avarage time to complete such a project:

    Prototyping  - 16 hours
    PCB layout  - 16 hours
    Component procurement - 8 hours
    Software development - 16 hours
    Building and testing - 16 hours
    Documentation - 8 hours
   Consultation with client - 8 hours

Taking everything into account, I'm usually able to deliver the
finished product within 10-14 days from order, provided that all the
components needed are available off-the-shelf.  Sometimes waiting for
components on order can seriously affect these time schedules.
Complex mechanical fixtures can also affect these time scales.

Oh, and out here our  clients start frowning heavily when you charge more
than about $25 an hour.  I usually charge less than that if the job
start exceeding 50 hours.   :(


>        Currently, I am developing, and almost at production step,
>        with the =smallest control I think can justify the use of a PIC.
>        From the first time, with manuals in hand (remember that's my
>        first =experience with PIC's), untill now, I have spended 3 months, and
 the =
>        last was 16 to 20 hs a day.

That is understandable, because as you said yourself... that was
after all the first time you developed anything using PICs.  I bet
your next project will take less than half that time and the one
after that even less.

> Does everyone put hand to work and develop with more speed?
>        Please, = call me. I have a Job for you.

<G> Ok, taking my current tariff rate into account,  I accept.  When
is the next plane out there?  :)

Rgds
Werner
--
Werner Terreblanche
wterreb@plessey.co.za (work)  OR  werner@aztec.co.za  (home)
Plessey SA, PO Box 30451, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa

Check out my Variometer Kit on:
  http://www.aztec.co.za/users/werner/variokit.htm
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